The NSW Government is to spend $1.385 billion in 2004/5 to strengthen support for older people, people with a disability, their families and carers.
This represents an increase of 8.6 percent on the 2003‑04 Budget.
Minister for Ageing and Disabilities, Carmel Tebbutt said the increase would be welcome news for the ageing and disability services sectors, and reinforced the Government’s commitment to improving services around the State.
“At almost $1.4 billion, the budget will allow for the continuing improvement to specialist support services, and an increased focus on prevention, early intervention, and related community support networks.”
Ms Tebbutt said that the 2004/5 budget highlights included:
· $2.7 million for increased services for families with a child with a disability who need extra support ($30.6 million over 4 years);
· $54 million additional funding over four years for the Adult Training Learning and Support program (ATLAS) – with $12.4 million in 04/05 targeted at providing support for the increasing number of school leavers with a disability who move from education to employment; or who require ongoing support when they leave school;
· $10.3 million for the Service Access System, bringing this budget to $45 million and enabling the Government to respond to people with a disability who need immediate assistance;
· $3.2 million to make respite services more responsive to clients’ needs, through in-home and centre-based services;
· ensuring assistance is available for people with a disability when boarding houses close;
· allowing for ongoing reform of accommodation services directly delivered by DADHC.
“Our commitment to providing a range of services to people with higher support needs is borne out by the budget of $772.7 million to be spent in this area.”
Ms Tebbutt added that there would also be capital funding of $15.9 million to assist in moving people out of large residential centres and into the community.
“In addition:$1 million has been allocated for moving younger people out of large residential centres and into more community–based settings; A further $7.3 million will be spent in 2004/05 to re-develop the Client Information System (CIS). The CIS aims to improve the management of services and foster a more targeted and strategic approach to service delivery. An estimated total of $437.4 million will be spent on older people and their carers through the Home and Community Care program (HACC), a joint Commonwealth/State initiative. This spending will take the NSW contribution to $169.9 million.
“The budget for older people and disability services is now double what it was in 1996. It demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to building better services that are effective, accessible, and sustainable.”
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